Charleston is a grand place to ride a bike. The narrow streets encourage bikes much as they discourage cars. The venerable buildings have cozy little gardens with fascinating gates, delightful vegetation and intriguing walls. Car parking can be difficult and expensive but you can always lock your bike to a pole. I like to leave my vehicle behind the Harris Teeter on Bay Street and then pedal to the historic area. As much as I enjoy the city, there are times when it is nice to get away from cars and people; the West Ashley Green Belt works well for that.
The green belt runs on an abandoned rail line. The trail is easy riding for a mountain bike but I wouldn't take my road bike on it. Being an old rail line, it is flat and straight with only one or two rough spots. That can get boring, but if you have good companionship, as I did, the wide trail makes for good socializing. So, relax and enjoy the scenery with the freedom of not looking over your shoulder for lurking mini vans.
The first few miles run through a residential area and the trail frequently crosses streets. The traffic wasn't heavy but you need to be alert crossing them. Tall trees line the route most of the way. After about five miles the trail enters an undeveloped area. It passes a big Clemson agricultural station which wasn't much to look at when we were there in the dead of winter. I suspect it may be interesting when things are growing. Shortly after that the trail enters an isolated area of salt marsh. We pedaled through at low tide and could see oyster beds and an abundance of birds. The trail ends at Main Road on Johns Island roughly ten miles from the start. The best portion, in terms of nature and serenity, lies on the end away from Charleston. We didn't venture off the trail, but it appears that there are several places where you could go in search of food, drink and a soft place to sit.
Finding the trail: Drive (or even better pedal) just south of Charleston on Rt. 17. Immediately after you cross the Ashley River by the Holiday Inn the road splits. Take the left fork toward Folly Beach. You will then come to a light where you can turn left for Folly Beach. Go straight into South Windermere shopping center the bunch of pink buildings directly in front of you. The trail begins at the west edge of the shopping center behind the photo store.
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If you have corrections or comments, please send me an e-mail at: wwattles@fmarion.edu